It’s a tragedy when people prey on the generosity and the good-hearted nature of others. While it’s something we’d like not to happen, the reality is that it happens all the time. In some cases, it is very blunt too

It’s been a remarkable week for Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi. Being the mother hen when it comes to the Government’s newest baby called Samoa Airways, the Prime Minister has not held back, letting rip at anything and everything that comes across as a threat.

We know this much. In the bigger scheme of things, it is our attitude towards the small things that makes a huge difference.
This truth applies to everything in life. Yes folks, small things do matter.

For such a small country, there really is never a dull moment.
What from the most interesting - and at times bizarre political statements - to everyday events that continue to baffle the mind given their contradictory nature to what this country claims to stand for, it’s all happening.

Well, as the wise would say, no one is perfect; indeed, we’re living in a world where everyone is quite capable, of learning from one’s own mistakes.
And as we’re thinking about those words now, let us look one more time at Prime Minister, Dr Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi’s new baby, Samoa Airways, and how it can possibly succeed where his old baby, defunct Polynesian Airlines, had failed.

Poor Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malilelegaoi! Why is it that he’s the one who is always copping the flak, and yet it is those he’s appointed to get the job done who have loused everything up anyway?
For instance, on the front page of the Samoa Observer on Tuesday, 13 March 2018, the headline screamed: “Stupid,” P.M. slams Samoa Airways report.

How time flies.
This time last Monday this country was all wrapped up in the ‘Jacinda Ardern mania.’ The New Zealand Prime Minister was the undisputed star of the show, touching down for a flying one and a half day visit, which totally captivated everyone she came in contact with – including our leaders.

After the honeymoon phase, the reality of running a fully-fledged international airline in such a cut throat industry has started to kick in for Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi’s administration.
And by the sound of things, the picture is not pretty at all.

It’s arguably the most talked about topic of the day. China’s influence whether it’s aid, diplomacy or just the influx of its people and businesses into small countries, the issue is as universal as the internet. It is what the world is talking about.

Today is International Women’s Day.
In Samoa and around the world, it’s an opportunity to acknowledge the role of women in our lives, reflect on their achievements, measure the progress made in terms of the push for gender equality and most importantly plan concrete steps for a better and brighter future. Not just for women but for everyone.

The good news is that the Government is finally moving on a bill to stop children under 14 from being street vendors. The bill is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development as part of the plan to address core issues that deal directly with child labour, slavery and street vendors in Samoa.

The truth is quite simple. The Samoan Government doesn’t need to look far to find a role model. If Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi and his administration need some inspiration, they only have to look to New Zealand. It’s to the south of us, three hours away by plane and with the Tui Samoa Cable up and running, communications have never been easier.

On the front page of yesterday’s Samoa Observer the headline screamed: “Social Media Policy tells public servants to defend Govt. reputation.”
Now the questions are: “What government reputation that needs to be defended are we talking about here?
“Indeed, if the government has such a reputation, why is it entrusting the job of defending it to only public servants?

This much cannot be denied. The recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of the 2019 Pacific Games, Falefata Hele Matatia, has a huge task ahead.
With 16 months to go before the Pacific region converges in Samoa once more, his position is not exactly the most envious role there is.

With great power comes greater responsibility. The truth is that while we’ve all been excited and marveled at the power of the internet to transform lives, we seldom discuss the lack of awareness and education about how to use such a powerful tool.

On Monday, outspoken Member of Parliament, Olo Fiti Vaai, voiced what many people are probably thinking but are perhaps afraid to say.
In a story titled “M.P. calls on Prisons Minister to step down” published on the front page of the Samoa Observer, Olo did not mince words.

How much is too much? That’s a good question to ask ourselves as we continue to discuss and debate the issue of debt and whether this country can really afford the mountain of foreign debt incurred by Prime Minister Tuilaepa’s administration over the past 36 years.

Dear Editor,
Re: Section 32 of L.T.R.A. incapable of alienating customary land
This is why not a single one of those bush lawyers from S.S.I.G. or academics have the guts to take their land whinge to Court.
In the 10 years that this L.T.R.A. 2008 has been law in Samoa, not a single case has gone before the courts.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is standing by her country’s immigration laws requiring Samoans to go through a stringent screening process to obtain a visa to visit New Zealand. This is despite the two countries sharing a Treaty of Friendship. Do you think this is fair? Reporter, Nefertiti Matatia, asked the public in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

About a month ago, we were in a meeting with three village Mayors (male Chiefs) to discuss the implementation of the first carbon offsetting project for Samoa by replanting more than 12,000 native trees in the O le Pupu Pue national Park.

THE BEST
A big fa’amalo to the skilled and courageous E.P.C. staff who braved the winds and rain to restore power from broken and dangerous power lines on Cross Island Road on Wednesday night in pitch darkness.

Samoa’s Ava Exports is looking promising, with exports expected to increase in the next couple of years. Ava exports was Samoa’s second largest export commidity from 1998 to 2001 until some European countries led by Germany imposed restrictions on the Pacific Kava Trade. Samoa’s exports of Ava in 1998 was just under $20m.